TraleeToday.ie’s coverage of the Rose of Tralee International Festival is brought to you by AIB Tralee…
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Saturday of the festival always draws the biggest crowds to town thanks to the parade, but there’s loads to see and do before and after it…
1. One for foodies…
Taste Kerry will host “Taste The Kingdom”, in conjunction with Rose of Tralee International Festival at The Pavilion in the Festival Dome.
This years event will showcase the very best of Kerry produce with over 20 artizan producers present along with cookery demonstrations and the “Kerry Cook Off” as top Kerry Chefs battle it out with assistance from their Celebrity “Commis”.
Taking part will be Radio Kerry’s Deirdre Walsh, Rose of Tralee Maggie McEldowney, Minister Brendan Griffin and a mystery GAA star.
Added to the event this year is a “Food Trail” within the venue. Should be a yummy afternoon. It starts from 11am with the Celebrity Cook off between 1pm and 3pm.
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2. Get active at charity Zumbathon…
Next door to the Taste Kerry event, the Inspired charity in Tralee that caters for young adults with intellectual disabilities are holding a Zumbathon from 12noon to 2pm.
The event will be led by Linda Flanagan, Zumba instructor. Tickets are available at the door. Children €5, adults €8 and a family ticket for €20.
3. Meet the gardaí…
An Garda Síochána, Tralee are hoping for a great turnout from the public at their open day. The John Mitchel’s GAA Complex at Ballyseedy will be the venue for the event which will run from 12pm to 4pm and is open to all.
It’s a family day and there will be a wide selection of specialist equipment on display including Armed Support Units, Garda Dog Units, Garda Mounted Units and weather permitting, the Air Support Unit have promised to ‘drop’ in.
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4. Meet the Roses in your local…
Many pubs and hotels will welcome their Roses from around 12.30 to 2pm around the town.
For example The Brogue sees Galway, Dublin, South Carolina and Sydney arrive, while No.4 The Square has Tyrone, Louth, Ohio and Newfoundland. No doubt they’ll be trying out their pint-pulling techniques.
5. Cycle Against Suicide Spinoff…
The community of Tralee will host a 50km cycle as part of the Cycle Against Suicide SpinOff series from 2.30pm at the Austin Stacks GAA club at Connolly Park.
The route will once again visit the picturesque coastal village of Ballyheigue where there’ll be lunch and refreshments at the Community Centre from 3.45pm, a Mental Health presentation, Reilki, EFT and Tai Chi workshops along with guest speakers.
At 5:15pm the cyclists will start their return journey to Tralee, via Ardfert where a group photo will be taken at Ardfert Cathedral. The cyclists will then continue on to Tralee, to lead the 2017 Rose of Tralee parade through Tralee town. You can register on the day from 12noon at the Stacks Club.
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6. Family entertainment…
It goes without saying that there’s family fun, music and fantastic entertainment all over Tralee again during the day in the Town Park, The Square and along the streets. The market is in the Mall with the aroma of world cuisine filling the streets.
7. The Parade…
Just pray the rain stays away and, at the moment, it looks like we might be okay. It’s always a colourful highlight for all the family and culminates in a spectacular fireworks display.
It’s due to start at 8.30pm but get down early if the little ones want a good view.
8. Say “I Do I Do I Do I Do I Do” to Abbaesque…
There’s loads of music on the streets after the parade, but the highlight has to be Abbaesque in The Square from 10pm.
These guys are the top tribute act to the Swedish pop legends and no matter what music your into, you’ll be screaming ‘Money Money Money’ at the top of your voice by midnight (after which you’ll be demanding a man)!
